Using SIMILES to improve your everyday English
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- čas přidán 12. 02. 2016
- Do you know what a 'simile' is? Do you know the difference between a metaphor and a simile? Similes are expressions that compare two different things. We use these expressions to make our spoken and written English sound clearer, nicer, and more poetic at the same time. Native speakers use similes often. Most of the time you will be able to understand the meaning from the context, but it is good to know some common similes so that you can start using them yourself! In today's lesson, I'll teach you the difference between a simile and a metaphor, and go over some examples of similes I hear in everyday life in the UK. Similes are a fun part of the English language, so join me for this lesson and test your understanding of these expressions with the quiz!
www.engvid.com/...
TRANSCRIPT
Hi. I'm Gill at engVid, and the lesson we're having today is about similes. And just to explain what a simile is: It's when you compare two different things. Okay? Now, there's another lesson that we have about metaphors and at the beginning of that one, we explain the difference between metaphors and similes. So I'm going to do the same again with this lesson.
So, the simile is when you say A is like B-okay?-or A is as big as B or as small as B, so it's comparing using "like" or "as". Whereas the metaphor is when you say A is B. If you say: "He is a pig", it's not literally true, but he behaves like a pig. But: "He is a pig" is a metaphor. If you say: "He is like a pig", that's a simile because you're using the word "like" and comparing him with a pig. Okay.
So, let's just have a look at a few examples. Also, because similes use either "like" or "as", we're going to look at some examples using "like" to begin with, and then we'll move on to look at a few "as" examples. So these are all examples that you would hear in everyday life that people tend to use, so they're quite familiar ones.
Okay, so first one: "She eats like a pig." Which isn't a very nice thing to say about someone, but if she's quite... Makes a mess and a lot of noise, you know what a pig eats like, she eats like a pig. So it's not a very nice thing to say about someone, but it's comparing "she", a woman or a girl, comparing her to the way a pig eats. "She eats like a pig." So that's a simile.
So, a similar example to that is: "He drinks like a fish." This usually means alcohol. Not just water, but it's usually alcohol; beer, wine, whisky, anything. "He drinks like a fish." Again, it's not a nice thing to say about somebody, but it can sometimes be true, so... Of course, fish, I don't know if fish actually drink water, but because they live under water, they're immersed in water; water is all around them. So that's the idea, this man who drinks is surrounded by liquid. It's that sort of idea. "He drinks like a fish."
Okay, next example is using... We've got animals, and fish, and another animal now: "I've been working like a dog." And that means working really hard. Okay. Working like a dog. You may know a Beatle song called "A Hard Day's Night", and that is part of the lyrics of that song. Okay. "I've been working like a dog." Which is actually true at the moment, but I've been quite enjoying it, so that's all right. Okay.
Maybe if you're talking about two children, a brother and a sister, for example, who are always fighting-this often happens, I think-you can say: "They are fighting like cat and dog." Because cats and dogs don't always... They're not always very friendly with each other. So traditionally, cats and dogs perhaps fight. So: "They are fighting like cat and dog." Okay. So all of these, it's "like", comparing. Okay? So two children, human children compared to a cat and a dog because they're fighting. Okay?
Coming back to a little bit like eating, drinking: Smoking is another thing that people do, which isn't a very healthy thing to do. So if you say to someone: "You smoke like a chimney." Cigarettes, cigars, a pipe, maybe, any tobacco. And a chimney is what you get on a house, the smoke comes out of the chimney. There's the roof of the house, the smoke comes out of the chimney if you have a fire in the house. So if you say to your friend: "You smoke like a chimney." it's not a very nice thing to say, but maybe you will persuade them to stop smoking, because it's very bad for your health. Okay. So, that's a very common expression anyway.
And then finally in this section, you can say... If you're waiting for something and you're waiting a really long time, you can say: "It's like watching paint dry." If you've been painting a wall or a door with a paint and a brush, when you've painted something, it takes a few hours for the paint to dry. So if you're waiting for something to happen, and you're waiting, and you'd rather like it to happen quite quickly, but you've been waiting 10 minutes and it's still not happening, you can say: "It's like watching paint dry."
A great teacher, very clear and passionate. encouraging to keep on watching. a very useful topic. Bravo.
Jill, your explanation is as clear as crystal. Thank you so much! I love your lessons! BTW, you have a beautiful singing voice!
She is funny, energetic, very experienced teacher. I love her style. Thanks gill.
Use a capital letter when you write someone's name, dummy. "Gill"
how sweet teacher she is!
Yea
Yea
I wish she was my teacher 👩🏼🏫
#BESTTEACHER ME TOOO
I'm an italian student. You are a super teacher. I love your lessons, that are clear and helpful
Bless you Gill, you're SUCH a star! xx
Very effective class. as a CZcamsr I wish your all success.
👌👌
Good Job.
I can’t understand India English sorry
We only need a few people like you to make the world a better place.
Very precious your teachings, for me you're the best English teacher on the web!!
As clear as as the sky in good weather. As good as Gill's clarification. Thanks a lot, Gill, you are a very good teacher. Well done!
I feel learning english is with you more easier than go to spoken english classes. Your explanation is as clear as glass. Thank you mam!
It is unbelievable what this nice lady can do with her head and a pen only. That is what teaching should be like. I watch her regularly to keep my command of the English language alive. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your time! I really appreciate your lessons! Keep up the awesome job!
from a Brazilian fan.
Oh my god ... I effortlessly sing along with her & enjoy the moment💙🎶
So happy to come across a senior teacher who is both knowledgeable and energetic....would really be delighted to have your videos for my virtual lessons.
Thanks Ma'am GIll!
Such a passionate teacher. Gill you are the greatest
Thank you. You are a wondeful teacher.
Thank you Gill for singing to us "twinkle twinkle little star.
You certainly reminded me of the good old days.
amazing lesson! Great Gill, thanks so much!
All your explanations are clear. I understand perfectly.....
When u sang nursery rhymes I was just lost in my old childhood memories
U sang it very well
And the way u explain is really Cristal clear
If I go through other videos they wil explain the way you did
So thank you and may God bless u always 🤗
wonderful lessons as always thanks gill Keep going .I 've fallen head over heels with your beautiful accent.
I misread the title and saw, "smiles". Great video.
+jerseyjacket100 so do I haha
+jerseyjacket100 Me too! LOL
ah ah me too I was wandering what's the point of this video o.O
gwadamomo
if you can speak English
is not for you if you don't like please don't watched and comment like that
Mr Every Thing, you misunderstand. Gwadamomo was referring to her own misreading of the title as "smiles". She was not complaining about the video. Your comment is the only one out of place.
The best teacher of the world ever! Thanks awfully for your teaching!
Wonderful, I really enjoy these classes, I laugh, I learn and every day I improve my English. Thank you Gill for your wonderful and charismatic way of teaching, thousands of blessings for you, I love you very much!! :D, xxx
A great tutor, and extremely helpful lessons. I like your London accent, Gill.
incredible video! this is amazing the way you speak and explain the lessons! i'm very happy about it. I'm learning a lot with you.
You are brilliant teacher! Thank you for your lessons.
I am so glad what I met you Gill on the fields of CZcams! Thank you very much!
I just read a comment from (1yr. ago.) It was unnecessarily critical and rude. Gill's lessons are OBVIOUSLY designed to help those for whom English is a 2nd or foreign language. All the other comments were gracious and appreciative. But, of course, there's ALWAYS (1or 2) jerks who don't have much of a life. I've tutored ESL and I must say that GILL's style is fun, helpful, and very CLEAR! 🥀🌎🌹 (San Francisco, January 2nd, 2018)
Hi Gill, I just discovering you two days ago. I am elated with your teaching. Its a while since I’ve been trying a to read properly furthermore, writing a good sentence. What is more, since two days ago I have improved tremendously. For being such a kind teacher.
Oh, don't worry your explanations are as clear as pure water!! Thanks, Gill.
Gill, your explanation is extremely clear to me. I enjoy listening to your lessons!
Chère Madame,you are the best english teacher I ever had ...
WHO THE FUCK GIVES DISLIKES! Seriously,I've never seen anyone who would dislike video,even if it's bad.Google must ban such people who gives too much dislikes!
There are bad people who have bad manner, they open a video and make dislike without thinking, then go to other one and do the same thing. Those people normally sick in their minds. If you look on a video great musician or orchestra you will see the same bad habit.
Deus Grande right. Bro I m also with u
Yup hater are always jealous
Your explanation is clear as a Sun's light, Gill! Thank you for all!❤️🥰
Hello and thanks for these gracious and informative videos. They are as clear as daylight. Cheerios and blessings.
I am also Nepali English teacher. I have founded an institute where British and American English is taught. I tend to be a prominent English teacher in the world. This video has been useful for me. I regard the teacher is teaching in this video.
Gill is as good as gold.
Waiting for her lessons is like a watching paint dry.
I'm looking forward to your next topics, Gill. :)
Dear Gill! If all English speakers speak as you, I would understand almost everything. Your voice conveys me so much peace. Thanks a lot for everything. Sorry for my bad English.
Ms Gill, You are the best English teacher ever! Your English sounds beautiful! Thank you so much! Lord bless you!
Hello, Gill! Your lesson about "using similes" was very interesting and useful. You are so clear and friendly that is a pleasure to attend your lessons. I wish you a very happy New Year! Filomena
Lovely English class. Thank you.
Such a tragedy that Gill wasn't my English teacher - 55 years ago😢 She is like a superstar and she sings like an angel😜
Hello Gill,
I like your English teaching styles.
Multiple and clear presentation over all of course.
It's raised my interest to get along.
Thanks a lot again.
Dear Mrs. Gill... YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST
My english becomes better with every sequent lesson from Gill. Thank you very much!
Thank you Gill :) You are so nice person and your explanation is very clear :) You sing wonderful. I know this nursery rhyme and often sing it for my daughter. Thanks for your lessons. I wish I could have such a great teacher like you in my city.
she is an excellent english teacher and singer...so surprised I am.Thank you very much .
Oh, no , not at all , your explanation is as clear as crystal . More importantly you present your lessons with devotion and generosity .
Admirable teaching, great teacher, thank you for sharing your expertise Amen ❤
You are an excellent teacher, I love your classes. Thank you 😊
Your explanation is as clear as a crystal Ms Gill! U sing well! Love u as always!
Adoro a esta mujer!, es tan carismática, elegante, alegre y con un modo tan ameno de enseñar. Estoy aprendiendo mucho gracias ella!. ♥️🙏
Gill you are my favourite YT English Teacher! You‘re my star☺️ Shine like a diamond✨💎✨
Thank you very much! The best explanation I have ever heard. I love your lessons.
Your explanations are clear, as clear as a crystal!
You are an amazing teacher.
Thank you for the great lesson!
Such a lovely person, your voice tone is soft and nice, music for my ears, I really enjoy your lessons. Best wishes
Thank you so much! You are incredible.
Gill, you are an excellent teacher. Your videos are very important and useful to me. I understand 100℅ what you say: the words and phrases are clear. I really aprecciate your accent.
Your explanations are as clear as crystal. Singing made me feel nice, it is so well done. Thanks for all lessons💯💯💯👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥
I love yours English classes Mrs. Gill. Thanks a lot!😊👏🏽
A Great Teacher!!! I am so glad because every day I learn more about English 😃 Thank very much !!!
very very good teacher ( incredible )
I love her! hahahahahaha
I laughed hard at this one
I simply love you Gill and I also love your lessons! They are special and unique! A big: " Thank you " !
Your explanations are as clear as day light !
Your explanation of the similes is not as clear as mud. It is as clear as crystal! Thank for your wonderful lesson💙
Oh Gill thank you so much you are a great teacher .your accent is very clear. Thanks again.
I have once heard this melody somewhere: twinkle ,twinkle,little star! Gill, your voice is very sweet, just like a lovely bird singing in the spring.
Thank you for the good lessons. I am one of your big fans.
When I read the sentence "They are fighting like cat and dog," I wondered why there were no articles before 'cat and dog'. I would be very happy if you told me what you think of the following sentences :
"They are fighting like a cat and a dog."
"They are fighting like the cat and the dog."
I am a Japanese. English articles (a an the ) are like hard nuts to crack for many of us. It is as clear as mud for many of us to decide what articles we should use.
Yes, articles are difficult -- whether to use them or not ;-) In the 'cat and dog' saying they're not necessary -- it's just the style of that particular saying. Sorry there's no easy explanation!
I am very, very grateful to you for your prompt reply. I will never fail to see your lessons!
nice lesson Gill thank you...and btw... you sing pretty well :) obrigada
I adore you, Gill!!! Thank you for being such a perfect teacher!
Thanks a lot teacher , you are extremely as good as gold, through providing us with such a useful lesson.
Lovely class! The explanation Is as clear as a glass! Thanks a lot! Enjoy It!
Thank you Gill. These videos are very helpful and joyful.
Thanks Professor, your explanation is as clear as a true clean Windows.
I love the she took glasses off, and then she has shown her humorous action, 'oh you are still here, which sounds she may talk to the one who is behind the screen. Lovely!
'
I just love the way you teach. Thanks
thanks a lot joe maam
your explanation was wonderful
and as clear as a crystals
I loved how you sang the nursery rhyme. You are so sweet. Thanks for the explanation!
You are fantastic, Jill! Thank you very much!
Your explanation was as clear as a crystal.
Wow! I love your teaching . You sing beautifully God bless you Gill.
Your explanation is as clear as crystal.
Great job. Thank you.
Thanks for your lesson...!
Dear Gill You are very talented, really experiensed and lovely lady. I absolutly love the way how you teach.
I was thinking of the song, just reading at the board before watching the video, and then you mentioned, yes it is a wonderful song, and it's also my ringtone. Wonderful lessons, a really great teacher.
Jill, you are a very excellent teacher, my English have been improved with your clear explanations. Thanks heaps
You´re great!!!And I really enjoy your videos...Many many thanks!!
A very effective plan to learn English. I appreciate it. We would like more. Please take care of yourself. Stay safe during a pandemic.
Great. Your teachings was as clear as glass to me
Your explanation is as clear as crystal.
She is a very good teacher I llove the way she explained in every subject it make me easyer to understand thank you very much
Similes have clearly explained and every word in it have been contexualised. She makes good teacher.
I love to learn mire about English with your lessons Gill! And I also loved to learn to sing that nursery song! 😍 God bless you!
Thanks ma’am, your explanation is as clear as crystal. By the way, I loved you singing, please, do it more times. My best wishes.
Since this day you are my favorite singer. I adore you .
Dear Gill, you are a great teacher. I love your accent very much.
you make it easy to follow your lessons, thank you Gill :)